Police officer fighting for life after van hits tree on the way to an incident in Bolton

A police officer is fighting for his life after driving a van into a tree on the way to an incident. The 45-year-old officer was driving the marked police van on Crompton Way, Bolton, as he responded to reports of a disturbance in Halliwell in the early hours of this morning.

A police officer is fighting for his life after driving a van into a tree on the way to an incident.

The 45-year-old officer was driving the marked police van on Crompton Way, Bolton, as he responded to reports of a disturbance in Halliwell in the early hours of this morning.

The van crashed into a tree just before the junction with Almond Street at around 12.40am.

A colleague, responding to the same incident, saw the damaged van and called for help.

The officer was trapped in the vehicle for a short time and freed by the fire service before being taken to hospital.

He suffered serious head and chest injuries and his condition is described as critical.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Crompton Way is usually a busy road but I understand due to the time of the collision, it is likely there were not many people around.

“However, I would ask anyone who may have been walking or driving along Crompton Way and did witness the collision or saw the van travelling prior to the incident to get in touch.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the man’s family and colleagues at this difficult time and our thoughts remain with them.”